One Dress, Two Dress

Usually when I find the base inspiration for my vintage outfit creations I know exactly what I want to do with them.  But, when I stumbled across this amazing 1950/60′s wiggle dress I was completely stumped. One side of my brain was screaming PUNK! while the other CLASSY! This dress is so versatile (as you will come to find out!) and to state it plainly, presents to many styling options! Which is great when you think about it.  Buy one dress, get multiple outfits! So, going with that, I decided not to torture myself any longer and do both Punk and Classy.  And, as you can see, I had so much fun! Check out what I came up with:

(What would you do with this dress?)

I am absolutely in LOVE with this 50′s/60′s Vintage Peach Cocktail Dress from RococoVintage!  It’s so amazingly unusual!  Clean, simple lines with an adorable cap sleeve in front and then in back, a dramatic plunging back with dramatic waterfall ruffles. This dress will elicit stares of lust and longing wherever you tread! Perfect for upscale cocktail parties, for weddings, for romantic (and sultry) evenings out, or for any other especially special event. Unique, daring, and truly darling all at once!

I am ALWAYS on the search for a pair of good Roper Boots.  Especially ones that are actually in my size! Which, is extremely hard.  There are plenty of 9′s, 10′s, even 8′s, but when it comes to 7/7.5 FORGET IT! It’s like finding a needle in a haystack! HOWEVER, last night I got lucky when I stumbled on these 7 1/2 Classic Vintage Black Roper Boots from GrannysBootery (Love that shop name!). It’s the small things that make my heart flutter! These no fuss, straight up plain old roper boots are what I consider a “wardrobe essential.” Tim Gunn would probably argue with me, but these would be my staple and I would wear them with EVERYTHING. In great condition, you’re search (or mine if you’re not quick!) is over if you’re on the look for one of these beauties!

Favorite feature on this Vintage Elastic Belt from LarkVintage? The butterfly clasp! It’s so adorable and unique. Usually when I am looking for belts on Etsy, especially black ones, I get a lot of studded leather belts or woven belts, which I love, but I was looking for a belt that was different and not indicative of the accessories I usually feature with outfits.  And that’s exactly what I thought when I saw this vintage beauty. It’s charming, eclectic and actually puts a smile on your face when you see it.  It could go punk or classy and you don’t have to worry about it wearing down because it is elastic! Now that I think about it, I have a friend who LOVES butterflies and she would be head over heels over this!

Besides my love of owls, antique keys and Polaroids, I adore long chain necklaces with wing pendants.  I know, it sounds odd and I can’t explain, I just know I love it.  Although, now that I think about it, it might have something to do with the fact that I loved studying Ancient Roman/Greek history and their mythology in school and when I see wings I always associate it with Pegasus….. Ok, that was probably more information than you ever needed to know about me and why I love wing necklaces! More about the actual necklace: It is a Silver Angel Wing Long Chain Pendant by ZaraTaylor, a jewelry maker on Etsy (who I will be doing an interview with and posting soon!).  It comes with no clasp as it is long enough to go over your head, which I prefer! It just makes it easier when you’re getting dressed! Perfect for any boho or rocker outfit!

1940s + Suede + Pumps = Vintage Treasure.  That would be the best word to describe these leather soled Vintage 1940s Pumps in buttery soft chocolate brown suede from RococoVintage. An absolute Treasure.  The seller describes them better than I can! Here’s what she says: This classic pair of pumps from the 1940s are just breathtaking — they are some of the most perfect shoes from this era that I have ever seen! In a deliciously rich shade of chocolate brown, these shoes will provide the finishing touch to a whole variety of outfits, while the metal taps on the heels will create the most satisfyingly audible sound as you walk and dance! Absolutely wonderful, and in just shy of pristine condition! This beautiful designer shoes were made over 60 years ago and are in phenomenal condition — they are truly a treasure and very rare!!

So, I had to go Handmade on this belt.  I was looking for something super specific because I knew I wanted a bow belt to tie together an adorable outfit perfect for work or a classy night out.  This Soft Leather Bow by ManoBello fit that bill.  It’s simple, easy and versatile.  It’s not to “kidish” and won’t make your perfectly pink ensemble match your 5 year old niece’s favorite dress! And it’s not so obnoxious that it takes away from the outfit.  It’s just right.

This Freshwater Pearl Necklace by VirginiaGeigerJewels is labeled as a “Wedding Necklace,” BUT I think they can be worn with either your new “Pretty in Pink” outfit or any one of your fun, girly ensembles.  I appreciate the spaces between the pearls, giving it a lighter, more romantic appearance rather than the heavy or bulky look that sometimes full pearl necklaces can have.  And the small gold leaf just adds to the charm of the handmade necklace.  Here’s what the seller says: This lovely golden flower pendant is wire wrapped off center with large freshwater pearls and is completed with a delicate gold fill chain. Also available is silver!

The Vintage God of a Dot Com World

So, I know I have been SUPER lazy with my posting lately and I feel SUPER bad! It’s the wedding! I’m telling you the truth! It’s sucking all the spare time out of my life! Which, while I am enjoying all the painstaking planning of minuet details, I miss being able to sit down in front of my computer and share all my favorite vintage finds with you guys. So, until I get my time back I’m going to make mini posts. Short, sweet and to the point! Hope you still enjoy them as much and I promise to get back to my usual vintage self after my little fiasco is over!

But, back to the actual post! I was shuffling through my favorite online vintage shop, Thrifted and Modern, and I was once again amazed at their vintage selection. They offer so much in the way of eclectic and one of a kind vintage accessories and clothing. I’m sure as you can guess from the post title, I consider them the PREMIER shop of the vintage net and if I was rich I would be spending most of my funds here! Every item stands out, has a distinct personality and is definitive of the girl who picks it up. Absolutely special this store is; taking the time, the care, and the effort to only pick those items which define their store. A bit about them: Thrifted and Modern is an online vintage and independent designer women’s apparel retailer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We began in 2009, selling a few vintage pieces from our own closet, and have quickly become a staple for fashion insiders with a growing list of celebrities, stylists, and high-profile designer clients. Emphasizing rare and unique hand-selected vintage pieces, we offer some of the best cutting-edge and fashion-forward vintage clothing found anywhere on the planet. Our vintage collection is hand-selected for personality, pre-screened for quality, and is updated daily with one-of-a-kind items that are guaranteed to turn heads.

Check out a couple of my favorites:

$160
Gorgeous 1950s black silky full circle party dress with a full sweep. Unlined. Side metal zip closure. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.

$85 (ABOVE)
Hand knit wool fisherman sweater in cream. Unlined. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.

(LEFT)
$88
Heavy duty oversized cardigan sweater coat. Unlined. Single front button closure. Front pockets. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.

(RIGHT)
$88
Oversized black and white cardigan sweater sure to keep you warm in the colder months! Unlined. Front button closure. Front pockets.Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.

(LEFT)
$195
Heavy duty all wool Navajo-inspired blanket coat by Woolrich. Concho detailing with genuine leather fringe tassels. Partially lined. Shoulder pads may be easily removed, if desired. Front snap closure. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage

(RIGHT)
$225
A-line coat in cranberry wool with a beautiful fox fur collar. Total vintage ice princess coat. Fully lined. Front button closure. Side pockets. Embroidered monogram “MMD” on the lining. Genuine fox fur collar with wool body. Good vintage condition with minimal signs of overall wear. No tears, stains or damage.

(LEFT)
$118
Vintage burgundy leather lace up roper boots by Justin. Hard leather made to last! Leather interiors. Good vintage condition with signs of overall wear. Heavy scuffing to the bottoms and some wear to the interiors.

East Village Grunge

If you have been reading my blog for a hot minute by now, you would now know that the outfit you are about to see is probably my favorite fashion style. That is, what I am calling it, the new “East Village Grunge.” A combination of sweet, delicate fabrics against the harder nature of studs, fringe and leather. A juxtaposition between textures that you wouldn’t normally match, but end up creating a devilishly desirable outfit. Long beaded necklaces, bulky rings and colors that vary from pale pinks to the deep hues of a night sky. Who is this girl? An East village resident, a lower Manhattan dweller, a girl who doesn’t know what exists above 14th street. This would be the type of girl you would see in a dive bar drinking two dollar PBR’s or at an underground rock concert screaming against the music. A person who is unafraid in her own skin and who is willing to try new things both in life and in fashion. A vintage lover, her wardrobe exists only in the eras of the 60s, 70s and 80s. Magazines are non-existent to her unless they are as old as her. She lives on her books, feeding her imagination with as many stories as she can at one time. And, oh yeah, she would dress a little something like this..

From the moment I saw this adorable Vintage 70s Mini Dress at RamonaWest, I knew it was special! I adore this simple, high-waisted two toned mini with its easy to wear attitude and semi- sheer fabric.  You could definitely sport this to work with a structured menswear jacket or wear it at night to your favorite hang out!  Either way this dress is functional, which lets face it, in this economy that’s what we are all really going for! One piece that can be worn multiple ways and that can easily reflect your fashion mood of the day!

If there is one thing that I would never be able to get enough of, it would be the leather jacket.  And it’s not just because it’s leather, which is a weakness of mine, I admit.  It’s because there make me feel in control.  Like when I put it on no one can mess with me and I’m the biggest bad ass in town. I know that sounds ridiculous, but that’s how they make me feel!  Another thing I treasure about these black beauties (yes, they have to be black) is that they are like chamelions when it comes to your wardrobe.  They can go with anything and everything!  And I mean everything from sweet lace 50s dresses to 80s ripped acid wash jeans.  An easy classic in my mind you can see why I chose this Vintage 80s Cropped Jacket with its biker zipper details from Hipsters Playground Vintage to go with this sweet mini.  Opposites attracting to form the perfect fashion relationship.

I realize by admitting to what I am about to say may make you think less of me, but I have to tell you I have never been the one to jive with the while bootie footwear scene.  I don’t know why really.  I think that when I tried them on me I thought they made me look a little lopsided or something and I never got used to seeing myself in them. It was kind of like when you tried on skinny jeans when that first came back out and you had to get used to seeing yourself in them to not feel sort of ridiculous! But I spotted a friend of mine wearing them with a super cute mini dress and I found myself looking at them in a brand new light.  So when I was looking for a pair of kicks to feature with the already amazing mini I thought to myself, “I must search out the Bootie!” And when I found these Vintage STUDDED (YUMMY! You know I love studs!) Black Leather Booties from SoanishMoss I was so excited! How amazing do they look with this outfit! They definitely help bring it together, tying themselves in with the studded belt.  My opinion has been successfully changed as I am now in the market for some bootie beauties (say that five times fast!).

When I was a kid I refused to believe that a belt was anything more than an annoyance.  So when my stepmom tried to one day explain to me (as she dressed me in what she perceived as “cute”) that they were a fashion statement, it was no surprise that I flat out disagreed with her.  But what did I know, I was ten.  I now know better (don’t tell her, please!) and love to accessorize as many outfits as I can with belts!  They add so much personality to an outfit and can change the way it looks in a second.  In looking for something for this outfit, I wanted something a bit edgier to go with the shoes and jacket and to juxtapose with the quiet elegance of the dress.  I thought that this Vintage 80s Studded Belt from LEnfantTerrible would fit in perfectly with the ensemble.  Especially since this dress has a higher waist it’s nice to be able to hide that line by accessorizing with a belt.

Is it wrong of me to love fringe as much as I do?  A recent obsession of mine I can’t seem to get enough! I think it has something to do with that boho, hippie eclecticism that I love so dearly! Either way I am infatuated with my recent vintage find at Black Pyramid.  Check out this lightly worn 70s Southwestern Fringe Bag with star studded detailing and beading! Doesn’t it just make your heart beat! Bump Bump! I love the native feel to this bag and the worn look to the leather.  To me, leather never looks bad no matter how it expires.  It’s still crisp, raw and holds that earthy aroma it had on its first day of conception.  It ages like a fine wine, really!  And if this bag has made it through 30 yrs and still looks this good, imagine how it will look in another 30! That’s why you go vintage!

No, I am not some crazed obsessed knife junky.  I am a vintage lover looking for something a bit edgier and unique!  And what could be more unique than wearing a pocket knife around your neck?  Not only is it practical (in case you find yourself needing to carve your initials on a park bench) but it also serves as a bit of mystery; keeping those around you on their fashion toes.  Besides, is this Vintage Black Sterling Silver Knife from FigandDorothy really the nuttiest thing you’ve seen sported around or on a fashionista? I think not! The thing I love about this necklace, besides the fore-mentioned reasons, is the gorgeous pickled facade.  It appears almost like glass and is inviting to the eye rather than apprehensive.  An impressive find, this one of a kind beauty will be sure to impress your neighborhood friendly fashionista!

Brace yourselves ladies for an amazing find! Check out this AMAZING hand affixed PREHISTORIC black and white Fossil RING from LarkinandLarkin!  When I found this I swear to you my jaw dropped! This is the MOST AMAZING store and I am so happy to have found it! Have you ever seen such a ring? Its massive and a statement piece all on its own.  You could wear this with a plain tee and I would still be in awe of your outfit.  It’s powerful, magnetic and requires an extremely confident person to toil it around on their fingers. I really am at a loss for words right now.  I don’t know how to describe just how brilliant this piece of jewelry is.  All I can say is that I love it.

(LarkinandLarkin)

2011 Summer Trends Go Vintage!

2011 is bringing to the fashion world some sensational summer trends! Overflowing with bright neon colors, floral prints, and whimsical sheer fabrics there lies a style for every fashionista.  With the welcome back of the 60s and 70s, modern hippies can enjoy again wide leg bell bottoms, sheer Maxi Dresses, and sexy lace crochet tops.  Born with a little punk in you, not a problem as this season includes inspirations from the biker grunge generation.  My favorite of which is the biker jacket with its zippered sleeves, its tightly pulled smooth black leather and the occasional silver studs outlining its sharp lines. Delicious!  But, with this season waving all these delectable looks in our faces is it possible for us vintage connoisseurs to adapt our eco-friendly wardrobe to reflect summer trends?  Ummm…YES! It  may take a bit of searching, but let me tell you I found some amazing vintage that won’t stretch your wallet! And with this year’s fashion so engrained in former decades it wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be!  Take a look at some vintage that could walk hand in hand with year’s runway creations and look just as amazing!

I’m sure you can easily guess what this trend is!  This is what the fashion world is calling “Biker Chic,” a collaboration which consists of key elements such as the leather moto jacket, pant, and boot to form one fierce outfit.  Take this sheek quilted leather jacket from Burberry with its zippered sleeves and cinched waist; gorgeous, yes, but would run you a pretty penny.  A perfect option?  How about this vintage 80s black quilted leather jacket from TigerlilyFrocks?  Does it not define the moto style to a T? With enough zippers to start your own personal collection combined with the quilted shoulders and belted waist, I’d say Burberry stole their inspiration directly from this moto jacket!  It doesn’t stop there though, those sizzling hot black leather pants from Burberry you see there, love them, but lets get serious, at this point in time in my life not possible!  My vintage option? How about these 80s black high waist (yummy!) leather moto pants at American Archive? I love their sleek, straight leg look and I’m sure the soft leather would be comfortable enough to carry you through your long day (or night!). And talk about some killer biker boots to top it of with!  I LOVE these vintage black leather boots from RebelBelleVintage!  So amazing with their eagle adorned studded boot strap! Would you not think that I owned a Harley and hung out with all the Bikers from your local watering hole? The best part about them? Their only $46! Need I say more?

Hello my beautiful high waisted, wide-legged bell bottoms and irresistible dainty lace crochet tops! How I love you and how I am sure your vintage devotees have missed you!  But yearn for no longer my faux 70s children (and even the real ones) these favored items are back!  (Mom: Aren’t you mad you threw those bell bottoms out now? I told you they would come back!) And back with a vengeance they are as they are being sported by top designers such as the Mother of the smartly patterned beauties on the left, Chloe.  But, before you swoon to hard over these ( I know, it’s difficult) rest your eyes on its vintage equivalent.  A fabulous pair of 70s METALLIC high waisted bell bottoms that would be sure to make any co-worker in your office jealous! From IndieCultVintage, these pants, with their subtle hints of blue shining out from soft gold fabric, make for a perfect marriage between day and night. Wear them with a blousy top or a slimmer top tucked in with colorful belt! Speaking of tops, how great does that vintage cream shag blouse from Spanish Moss look with with our 70s pants! Sublime! I love the fact that this top is so intricate in its weaving with the delicate crochet.  It comes off strong and so versatile! You could wear it with some leather moto pants to mix it up!

The Maxi Dress.  Next to bell bottoms, one of my favorite past trends. They’re simple, beautiful and versatile.  You can sport them at the beach with some flip flops or glam them up with some chunky platforms and slim belt.  Either way they look great (and on your “I feel bloated” days, make for good mid section coverup)!   This year, however, Maxi’s have been taken to another level that I haven’t yet seen on retail racks in the past.  The style this year: Sheer, sheer, and what’s that? Oh yeah, sheer.  Expect to be seeing Maxi’s like the one on the left rustling back and forth as they swoosh by you on the sidewalk any day now.  Want one? Check out this exquisite vintage 70s sheer lace maxi from RockPaperVintage.  Affordable at only $25 (It’s on Ebay, so it will probably go up a little), this scalloped beauty screams summer perfection.  I absolutely adore this dainty, yet sexy dress and I love the 20s inspired drop waist.  Why buy new when you can have the real thing at a fraction of the cost?

You know what’s funny about this grunge inspired fishtail fashion trend?  That I was literally just yesterday looking through my favorite vintage sellers, lusting after these same styled vintage dresses.  I mean, how more on point could vintage fashion be?  Here comes summer and boom my vintage shops are magically selling the same styles as TopShop (on left), Dennis Basso and Alessandro Dell’Acqua! Awesome! Generally hitting between mini/midi length to midi/maxi length, fishtail dresses are an unique way to add a playful, edgier look to the everyday. And  staying within the 2011 trends, I found a couple of lovely vintage options! The first is a fun 90s floral printed fishtail dress from BustownModern.  With a button up front, side pockets and bright floral prints (2011 trend statement) you’ll be looking sharp in platforms for only $26 (on Ebay, bid fast!)! That striped beauty you see (stripes are also a trend this year!) is a vintage 80s fishtail delight from TinRoofVintage (a fav. shop of mine!)  Wear it with a belt to cinch the waist or let it go free, this deep pocketed dress is perfect for a hot summer day!

Ok, I have never worn a jumpsuit before; probably because the ones I’ve seen have been tight denim or military inspired and that’s just not my cup of tea.  But, from what I’ve been seeing on the runway and in stores, this years jumpsuit is completely different! From a more tailored sophisticated look to a free flowing hippie inspired ensemble, there is a suit for everyone this season!  And like the fishtail trend, jumpsuits are in no short supply when it comes to vintage.  Take this vintage 70s sheer jumpsuit from IndieCultVintage, a dainty, soft wide leg stunner with a bit of a sexier edge.  You’ll stay nice and cool during summer in this fully laced head turner! Pop in some chunky turquoise jewelry and you’ll be good to go!  Love bright colors? How “in” will you be when you’re strutting around town in Hipster’sPlaygroundVintage’s burgundy 80s wide leg playsuit?  I love the bright color of this suit and the adorable buttons down the front! At a “Buy it Now” price of only $88 why wouldn’t you jump at the chance to own a piece of fashion history!

Vintage Studs and Stripes!

I know that all I have been going on about is how excited I am about summer and all the fabulous vintage that I would love to add to my wardrobe.  BUT, when I thought of this outfit, I just had to travel back into time to that chilly season when I strolled the streets of NYC in black leather and knee highs.  A favorite time of mine, I have to admit.  Even though some days it felt like you were standing in the middle of an ice cube and you couldn’t feel any of your extremities due to the minor frostbite from the bone chilling breeze.  Or, if you were like me and took the subway everywhere, how it seemed always colder on the platform even though you were underground and how from the minute you left your apartment until you arrived back and sat up against your screaming radiator, you were endlessly chilled.  Despite that, I still loved it.  The good things being curling up with a good book and a heavy blanket, a hot Chai Tea Latte from your coffee shop, and lots of good soup! Oh yeah, and that fashionable chance to layer as many clothes as you possibly could and still look awesome! Here’s a winter time dream (add on a scarf and perhaps two pairs of socks!):

I love this Vintage 80s Plaid Dress with the edgier look given by NoirOhio.  Such a great play against the sweet nature of the pleated collar and light pastel colors of the plaid.  I can totally picture this being worn back in the day by the “16 Candles” popular senior girl. I imagine she would of worn white pumps and pearls with Farrah Fawcett styled hair and a cute little brown leather shoulder bag.  And now, here I am wanting to stud it up and wear it with lace up grunge boots!  So funny how one garment, like ourselves, can go through just as many changes in style! Nice to know that I can wear it anyway I want no matter my style mood!

I have died and gone to vintage heaven with the finding of this Vintage Leather Studded Bomber Jacket from Girl On A Vine!  My two loves of leather jackets and studs combined, oh my! It’s almost to much to take on!  I swear to you I would sport this jacket year round no matter how hot it was just to be able to wear such a fabulous jacket.  It would go with everything.  Sweaters and jeans, dresses and even a tight short skirt, it works. Upcycled with the studs, this vintage bomber is in great condition and I can promise you won’t be around for long!

You can never have enough boots and I would create more room in my closet for these Alaredo Lace Up Boots from Metropolis.  I love the old world feel to these modern boots.  They almost feel like they would be at home in a Jane Austen novel or the ever favorite “Little Women.”  My favorite thing about them are the tasseled area under the laces and the way the laces sew up tight the whole way up the boot.  I would wear these leather boots with everything that I possibly could!

I love knee high socks!  Especially with a good pair of boots! And the best thing about them is that they go with everything! Shorts, skirts, dresses, you name it, it works! Ok, maybe not jeans,  but when its cold outside, I actually wear knees high socks under my jeans for warmth.  So, they work! Also, they add to the flow of your outfit!  Check out these Knee High Socks at Modcloth.  Comes in a couple of colors!

Sunglasses: a much needed accessory.  And if you’re going to buy some, why not go vintage?  How about these AWESOME Deadstock Vintage 80s Sunglasses at Stuck On Vintage?  I love the tortoise pattern (my fav!) on the lenses and I also am enamored with the amber colored lenses.  So pretty and unique! And guess what, they are 100% UVB and UVA protected! Hello, beach reading!  FYI SOV has TONS of amazing glasses!

My heart literally stopped when my eyes happened to set their gaze on this Vintage 70s Leather Fringe Hobo Bag from Sisters of the Black Moon!  With its super soft deerskin leather, this raw cut hobo styled bag has a long strap to comfortably set on your shoulder as you traipse around town (looking fabulous, ofcourse!).  I can just see myself walking down the streets of NYC, the bags fringe softly swaying in the warm breeze, passerbys stopping just to ask me where I found such an amazing bag.  ::Sigh:: “To sleep, perchance to dream.”

is a fabulous vintage Ebay store founded in 2005!  This is one of my favorite shops on the net and I am constantly stopping by to see what they have.  Every time I do there are always new products and I always find myself wanting them all!  A bit on the edgier side, this store is perfect for the 80′s/90′s lover or to find something tough to go with that lacey top you have.   And FYI, if you are in the market for anything plaid or a lumberjack-esque button up, then this should be your first stop!

Perhaps the best part of GirlOnAVine, are its Kimonos! Devine!  Sure, they also carry some other vintage not related to a cardigan or coverup, but I have to say that I have never seen such amazing vintage kimonos. All of them are equally beautiful, unique, and delicate as the next.  The taste of the shop owner is flawless and just scanning through what her store has to offer lets you know who she is.  A free spirit; a person who thinks for herself; a non-conformist.  You can see what she represents through the vintage she so carefully chooses and, likewise, what girl her pieces attract.  The strong minded, strong willed, and unafraid.  A passionate soul with an open heart.  A “hippie” by nature.  To purchase a piece from this shop would be a lifetime gift to yourself.  What more could you ask for?

Modcloth was founded by high school sweethearts, Eric Koger and Susan Gregg Koger, and built on a foundation of love for vintage and retro clothing!  A great go to for anything you need, ModCloth provides vintage inspired clothing and accessories too.  But if you want to shop their vintage, you have to be quick about it and get it early in the day b/c it goes super fast!  It’s totally worth it if you catch it!

Sisters of the Black Moon is a recent Ebay find of mine and I am so excited that I happened to stumble across them!  With amazing vintage finds, this store offers its boho clients with some of the best picks I have seen from the 60s and 70s.  Their garments would have been at home at Woodstock, in the streets of old San Fran, or in the gritty Lower East Side of vintage New York.  I love their edgier style and their consistent use of the darker side of the color spectrum.  Filled to the brim with vintage, you will never be short of finding something you can’t live without!

Stuck On Vintage is actually in my shop favorites in Etsy!  Based out of LA, SOV carries a wide variety of both men and women’s vintage.  And while I adore their super cute vintage clothing, perhaps one of my favorite things that they carry are vintage  sunglasses.  They have such a variety of vintage frames varying from the 1960s round “John Lennon’s” to the big, overstated lenses of the 80s.  What’s great too is that these fabulous sunglasses are all sorts of colors and some come with colored lenses! I love it! How original!  You should defiantly stop by SOV when you have a moment to spare!!

Believe it or not when I lived in NY, Metropolis (and Andy’s Cheepee’s) were essential shopping stops for my when I was downtown around St. Marks Place.  I would make any excuse to visit this shop, specializing in vintage shoes and boots, and make a day of it spending my time browsing through its beautiful racks and chatting with their friendly associates.  Not to mention that I would also stop by Pommes Frites for some Belgian Fries and sauces. Yummy! Metro is located in the East Village section of Manhattan, 3rd Avenue and 10th Street and was started in 1984 with selling vintage clothing in flea markets in Soho. New college students and seasoned fashionista’s have turned to Metropolis for their [vintage] fashion needs. As Metropolis approaches it’s 20 year anniversary, Richard [owner] hopes everyone will come and check Metropolis, a staple to the NYC vintage community, for themselves!  

A Collection of Vintage Superstars

I think the title totally says it with this one and needs no detailed explanation!  I put together, in my opinion, a pretty solid and may I say, KICK ASS collection of superb vintage shops!  These are some of my absolute favorites, all for a very specific reason: they stay true to themselves.  Not only that, but they all stick to what they are good at; which you will come to understand as you read what I love individually about each one.  So, enough of this chatter!  Get to digging! I think you are going to find some keepers in this batch of “my favorite” sellers!

I adore this super sweet vintage Ebay store! My favorite thing about them?  Amazingly hand-picked adorable dresses; one better than the next!  The definition of fun, outlined in bright colors and boldly underlined with a Boho pen!   You can definitely understand who these sellers are just by looking through all their picks.  Now, I never usually do this, but I love the way they describe their store and thought I should share it with you: At When Decades Collide, we are two sisters that are head over heels in love with EVERYTHING vintage!!! We hand-select pieces we adore from sources all across Southern California. We are smitten with everything from the beachy boho glam of the 60’s to the minimalist muted 90’s. I’ll be surprised if you haven’t already clicked on their banner!

Never in short supply of anything cute and vintage, The Kissing Tree Vintage is another Ebay favorite of mine!  Founded in 2010 KTV seems to have established a definite and permanent spot in the Vintage world with a wide range of items from the 50s-90s.  I really adore the fact that this shop has continued to surprise me with top quality vintage picks and, as mentioned, has never let its store be empty and ALWAYS has a multitude of vintage for the buyer to choose from.  Things they love : Florals. Polka Dots. High waisted skirts. Lace. Knee-high socks. Sequins. Party dresses. Rompers. More florals. Jumpsuits. Stripes. Prints. If you love any of that, then this might be the shop for you!

Santoki Vintage, an Austin based Etsy store, is one of my ABSOLUTE go-to stores for amazing vintage footwear!  Carrying some of the best vintage footwear from sandals to boots I’ve seen, this store has became a fast favorite of mine.  Their taste in vintage shoes is flawless without a doubt, but the condition of the shoes is what really makes then stand out.  Providing you with pictures of every angle, Santoki puts their customer’s minds to rest.  What you see is what you get! They are also constantly adding new items all the time and for someone like me who is always on the lookout that is definitely a plus.  They also carry some superb vintage clothing which may not come in such an abundance as their footwear, but nonetheless still are noteworthy.  Check them out before you run around crazy looking for a perfect shoe!

Jewelry Designs by Mona Abraham, an Etsy shop, is a very recent find of mine.  Actually, I can’t even take credit for finding it as the shop owner was the one to contact me via Facebook about it! And how happy I am that she did! I adore the whimsical and effortless nature of her handmade jewelry, many of which are crafted with vintage pieces.  I can just picture her romantic and dreamy beaded necklaces  being worn around the necks of women during the 20s and 30s; as they hold such an aged and mature value within their beaded and charmed chains.  Her art form and the way in which she so carefully constructs each individual piece is really just beautiful, ethereal even.  You can really see the love that she puts into her handmade gems and I’m sure that as a buyer, I would feel more than happy with a purchase from Mona Abraham.

If you are in the market for a stunning and unique vintage bag then look no further than Dandelion Daydreamer!  This Etsy shop, based out of France, holds a plethora of amazing vintage leather bags.  It’s enough to make your knees weak and heart skip like it did the first time you kissed a boy! Yes, it’s that good.  Run by an Irish chikadee who hand selects all of her beautiful vintage, Dandelion’s selection of bags ranges from your handy dandy hand bag to your business satchel to your travel luggage; which no doubt screams to be used for travels outside of your home country!  Honestly, if you asked me, I wouldn’t know which one to buy as all of their beautiful, stretched and worn leather seem to all scream at me! Dramatic, I know.  But, this is my weakness.  A good leather bag.  And while the bags, to me, are my favorite part about this shop, mind you that Dandelion does carry a fine selection of vintage dresses.  But, unfortunately, the bags tend to block this out and I find myself salivating over my computer at them! Check it out and you’ll see what I mean!